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The Best Packing Cubes to Keep Your Suitcase Organized

These Traveler-tested sets will save space and maintain order in your carry-on.
15 Best Packing Cubes Tested and Reviewed

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We have two main priorities when it comes to packing: saving space and staying organized. The solution to both? Investing in a set of the best packing cubes. Whether you're headed on a low-key weekend away or a weeklong European adventure, these thoughtfully designed cubes help manage even the most unwieldy of travel wardrobes. The great thing about packing cubes is how versatile they are: Use them to organize your belongings by garment type, to keep complete outfits together, to separate clean clothes from dirty clothes, or to hold your shoes.

Our editors tested some of the most popular packing cubes on the market to determine which are actually worth buying. We considered their size, how much they hold, how compressive they are, and any other useful features that make them stand out. Read on for 15 of the best packing cubes that will make your suitcase a whole lot neater.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg.


Shop our top picks:


Editor favorites:

Béis The Compression packing cubes (set of six)

These compressive packing cubes from Béis are my go-tos. The six-piece set comes with two extra large cubes for bulky items like sweaters and jeans, four standard-size packing cubes for shirts, underwear, and athleisure, and a sheet of labels. I appreciate that each cube has a clear window where the labels can be easily replaced depending on what I pack for each trip. They feature extra zippers that allow the cubes to be expanded or compressed, making them a great option for both short and long trips. Available in black and the brand's signature shade of beige, they look good inside every suitcase. Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

Why we chose it: Compressive design, sleek look, and convenient pre-made labels

Quince Eco Compression packing cubes (set of six)

These Quince packing cubes were a lifesaver for me when packing for a two-week trip to Australia—and have come with me on a few shorter trips since. And because there are so many sizes in one bundle, you can use them to shrink down nearly any item on your packing list, from bulky sweaters to winter socks. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Why we chose it: Size variety and tight compression

Peak Design Ultralight packing cubes (set of six)

My husband is all about Peak Design—as a photographer/videographer who lugs a ton of camera equipment around, it's his destiny—which means I find myself benefitting from new Peak Design items showing up in our apartment on a regular basis. While most of its gear really is designed to transport photo tech, Peak Design's packing cubes are one of the things I've stolen and don't plan to return. Its Ultralight packing cubes are made of tissue-thin Terra Shell (which feels like nylon), and is 100% recycled, weatherproof, and water-repellent. Because the bags are nice and thin, they're malleable, too—you can shove them into various parts of an already full bag to maximize space (which is something too many packing cubes can't seem to do). There's also a mesh version I'm intrigued by, because letting your clothes breathe seems wise on any trip where, inevitably, jeans or a tee will get repeat use, but so far I'm very happy with our fabric set. Megan Spurrell, associate articles director

Why we chose it: Maximizing space while maintaining breathability

Amazon Basics packing cubes (set of four)

This under-$25 set of packing cubes from Amazon is among our top sets for travel. Not only has it racked up nearly 40,000 ratings and an average of 4.7 stars, it's a favorite of executive editor Erin Florio. “I love how spacious they are. I used them on an eight-day trip across a few climates and I was easily able to sort my different outfits and keep track of my dirty laundry,” she says. Enjoy smart features like double zippers, carrying handles, and mesh top panels to see what's inside. This set of four certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it gets the job done and holds enough for a long vacation.

Why we chose it: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to carry

Paravel Packing Cube Quad Duo (set of four)

The sophisticated packer will love this stylish four-piece set from Paravel, a favorite of Condé Nast Traveler articles director Lale Arikoglu, that features a sleek design and peek-a-boo mesh windows. Up the style with a bespoke monogram for an additional $25. As an added boon, the eco-friendly nylon material is made out of upcycled plastic water bottles.

Why we chose it: Customizable and made of recycled materials

Calpak packing cubes (set of five)

Another one of the best packing cube sets comes from Calpak. The five-pack includes large cubes for bulky items, medium cubes for shirts and undergarments, and one water-resistant envelope pouch for dirty clothes or wet bathing suits. These are your classic packing cubes—they're not compressive, but they're lightweight, lay completely flat when empty, and do the trick at keeping your suitcase sorted. There's a small window where you can add your own label to help identify the right packing cube, too. I've traveled with these a ton over the last few years and still reach for them often. —M.K.

Why we chose it: Available in over a dozen fun colors and patterns

Eagle Creek Pack-It cubes (set of three)

If you're headed somewhere warm and plan to pack lightweight clothes, say a long weekend in Montauk or an island getaway, these Eagle Creek packing cubes are a solid, no-frills choice. This set comes with three pouches, sized extra small, small, and medium. These are another go-to for Flager, who says they're best used for lightweight clothes you can roll up or fold flat, like athletic clothes and T-shirts. “I find the extra small size is well-suited for underwear (about a week's worth, more than I thought could fit on first glance) or socks (around five ankle or no-shows, or two pairs of thicker socks). The small is good for T-shirts (three to five), and the biggest size, the medium, can accommodate one or two pairs of pants or two to three lighter sweaters,” Flager says. She admits she'll gravitate toward larger packing cubes like the Paravel set for extended trips, but will pull these out for weekend trips and overnights.

Why we chose it: Super lightweight, machine washable, and water-resistant

Monos compressible packing cubes (set of four)

If you're an overpacker, choose a compressible set like these. This set from Monos features a zipper that closes around each cube, plus another zipper that allows you to squeeze everything down after the first one is shut. These fit a ton of clothing—more than any other cubes I've tried, so I typically whip these out for a weeklong vacation or when I'm traveling abroad. I love that the mesh panels allow me to see what's inside without having to open each one—this makes getting dressed on-the-go so easy. If you prefer a more colorful set, snag them in bright shades like banana budding or purple icing. —M.K.

Why we chose it: Water- and tear-resistant nylon, breathable mesh top panels

SteamLine Luggage packing cubes (set of four)

When it comes to design, SteamLine's luggage and travel accessories always stand out—and this applies to the brand's vibrant packing cubes, too. This set of four comes with three different sizes, all made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. Commerce writer Paris Wilson gravitates toward these for shorter trips when she has limited space with a carry-on or duffel bag. “The material is durable yet soft and very easy to fold up and store in your closet when you’re not traveling,” Wilson says. She also notes that the zippers glide easily and that these packing cubes are machine washable.

Why we chose it: Vibrant patterns, a transparent window in each cube

Bagsmart compression packing cubes (set of six)

This budget-friendly set of compressible packing cubes comes with one large cube, two medium size cubes, two small cubes, and one flat shoe bag. These are a top choice from travel bookings editor Jamie Spain—but she warns these are pretty spacious, making them ideal for weeklong trips rather than weekend getaways or overnight stays. She likes these packing cubes for the smooth zippers and compressible, nylon material that's easy to manipulate in a tight suitcase. If you don't need a whole new set, you can also purchase Bagsmart cubes in a set of two or four.

Why we chose it: Affordable price point, available in several bright colors, flat shoe bag included

More packing cubes we recommend:

REI Co-op expandable packing cubes (set of three)

Whether you’re headed on a business trip or camping adventure, these sturdy, best-selling packing cubes from REI have you covered. They’re made of a durable ripstop nylon and feature polyester mesh. We love the loops at the top that can be used as carrying handles or to hang them up to dry after you’ve tossed them in the wash.

Why we chose it: Expansion zipper and durable water-repellent finish

Bagail packing cubes (set of six)

This set of Bagail packing cubes, an Amazon bestseller, features three sizes, with two cubes in each size. Use them all yourself, or split them up with a partner or kids. We do like the price, but also that these are durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Another feature we love: The mesh tops that allow you to see straight into the cube.

Why we chose it: Easy to share among travel buddies

Away Insider packing cubes (set of four)

The Insider sets from Away come in a set of four—all with great compression and in different sizes, so travelers can fit in their socks, shirts, and even the bulkiest of shoes. The water-resistant nylon is a great touch that ensures security in case of any spillage when traveling. This might be a great gift option for those friends and family who love the trendy and sleek Away suitcases.

Why we chose it: Top-tier compression and water-resistance

Cram packing cubes

Cram is a new brand that launched these fun, vibrant, and colorful style packing cubes. Each set is a three piece collection with small, medium, and large sizes—all proving to be sturdy, durable, all while eco-friendly. Each cube has a mesh top so you can peak in the items you throw inside without unpacking.

Why we chose it: Vibrant design and eco-friendly

Shacke Pak travel organizers (set of four)

These lightweight packing cubes are competitively priced and have great reviews on Amazon. The mesh panels on top allow you to easily identify your items, and the nylon material is durable and water-resistant, in case anything spills. Between the four cubes, there’s enough room to pack clothing for trips up to 14 days. In the large cube alone, travelers ca fit four pairs of bulky sweatpants, three pairs of jeans, and two pairs of leggings.

Why we chose it: Great for longer trips, comes with a laundry bag